Mutes
Mutes, 2002, cast resin and aluminum in 11 parts, dimensions variable (here 65 in x 14 in x 12 1/4 in)
The Mutes are clear resin casts of trumpet and trombone mutes. A trumpeter might use a mute to play more quietly, or to emulate the plaintive sound of a crying voice. The variety of devices designed for this purpose was a revelation to me. The various shapes were cast in clear acrylic resin, and carry the detailed textural information of the original surfaces, whether painted cardboard, spun aluminum, or metal.
These sculptures were originally exhibited with a series of drawings on frosted Mylar, as yet undocumented, made by tracing out the notated silences of the sheet music of sentimental popular songs of the mid-20th-century — All of Me — What Is This Thing Called Love — All Or Nothing At All.
All Image Credits: Tom Powel Imaging
